The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has called for greater intentionality in filmmaking, urging industry practitioners to move beyond merely producing films that qualify for international awards to creating works capable of competing with the best in the world.
The call was made at the inaugural NOSC Industry Forum 2026, held at Filmhouse Cinemas, Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, where filmmakers, producers, directors, writers, distributors, exhibitors, financiers, students, government agencies and other stakeholders gathered to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global film industry.
The forum, which had: “From Eligibility to Competitiveness: Building Nigerian Films for Global Recognition,” as theme focused on equipping local filmmakers with a deeper understanding of the Academy Awards’ International Feature Film category and the standards required for global recognition.
Delivering the keynote, Chairperson of NOSC, Stephanie Linus, said the film industry must begin to shift its mindset from simply seeking Oscar submissions to intentionally developing films that can compete successfully on the international stage.
“For many years, conversations around the Oscars have often centred on one question: ‘How do we submit a film?’ We must now begin asking a different question: ‘How do we create films that deserve to compete among the world’s very best?’ Submission is a process. Competitiveness is a commitment,” she said.
According to her, international recognition begins long before a film is completed, stressing that filmmakers must pay attention to story development, technical quality, production planning and global positioning from the earliest stages of production.
She took participants through the eligibility requirements for the Academy’s International Feature Film category, explaining recent changes to the Academy rules, qualification pathways, language requirements, theatrical release conditions, technical standards and issues relating to creative control.
Linus emphasised that while many films may satisfy the Academy’s eligibility criteria, only productions with exceptional storytelling, technical excellence and strong international appeal are likely to be competitive.
The forum also featured case studies of internationally acclaimed films, with discussions focusing on storytelling, directing, cinematography, sound design, post-production quality, cultural authenticity, festival strategy and international distribution.
A panel session titled: “Lessons from the Journey” brought together filmmakers and industry professionals who have participated in Nigeria’s International Feature Film campaign over the years.
Panelists reflected on the realities of representing Nigeria internationally, highlighting challenges ranging from post-production and campaign funding to distribution and international publicity. They also shared lessons on what future entrants must do differently to improve Nigeria’s chances of success.
Discussions throughout the event identified stronger script development, longer production timelines, world-class sound and post-production, professional subtitling, strategic festival participation, international collaborations, sustainable financing and structured awards campaigns as key areas requiring greater investment.
Participants also examined the growing role of international co-productions, noting that foreign investment or the involvement of foreign crew members does not automatically determine a film’s country of submission. Instead, issues such as creative leadership, production structure, ownership rights and decision-making remain critical considerations under Academy rules.
Members of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee further explained the committee’s selection process and discussed the evolving global standards against which films are assessed.
They stressed that while Nigeria possesses an abundance of creative talent and compelling stories, greater institutional support stronger industry collaboration and deliberate capacity building are required to position Nigerian films for sustained international success.
In her closing remarks, Linus reiterated the need for a collective commitment to raising production standards across the industry.
“Nigeria does not lack talent or stories. What we need now is greater intentionality, stronger development, technical excellence, strategic planning and collaboration. The goal is not simply to submit a film. The goal is to build films that can stand confidently among the best in the world,” she said.
The organisers said the inaugural forum marks the beginning of a broader industry engagement programme aimed at strengthening knowledge, encouraging collaboration and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian films on the global stage.
NOSC is the Academy-approved body responsible for selecting Nigeria’s official entry for consideration in the International Feature Film category of the Academy Awards.
